Ophthalmological Diagnostic System

ABSTRACT

The present invention is an ophthalmological diagnostic system adapted for use in urgent care facilities, physicians&#39; offices, hospitals, mobile treatment facilities, and in remote areas. The ophthalmological diagnostic system includes a component for securely holding a digital camera in optical communication with an ophthalmoscope and in various embodiments may include hardware and software for analysis and storage of images or video captured using the ophthalmological diagnostic system. The ophthalmological diagnostic system facilitates viewing of images and video by a single diagnostician or multiple diagnosticians.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application that claimspriority to U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 12/386,912 filed onApr. 24, 2009, and herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of ophthalmology and moreparticularly to an ophthalmological diagnostic system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of anophthalmological diagnostic system.

FIG. 1 b illustrates a perspective view of a second exemplary embodimentof an ophthalmological diagnostic system with a memory card and viewingscreen.

FIG. 1 c illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of anophthalmological diagnostic system directly connected to a computer.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a plurality ofophthalmological diagnostic systems with a diagnostician at a remotelocation.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate exemplary embodiments of an ophthalmologicaldiagnostic system with a plurality of diagnosticians at remotelocations.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a computer interface foran ophthalmological diagnostic system.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method of using anophthalmologic diagnostic system.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmologicaldiagnostic system kit.

GLOSSARY

As used herein, the term “in optical communication” means two or moredevices perceiving the same image. For example, a digital camera inoptical communication with an ophthalmoscope is capable of capturing theimage as viewed by the ophthalmoscope.

As used herein, the term “optical communication housing” refers to acomponent that holds a device in optical communication with one or moredevices.

As used herein, the term “image viewing means” refers to a device withan interface capable of displaying an image, video, or other digitalrepresentation.

As used herein, the term “camera activating means” refers to a componentthat signals a camera to capture an image or video.

As used herein, the term “storage component” refers to a hardware devicecapable of storing image data including, but not limited to a computerhard drive, database, memory card, flash drive, and an external harddrive.

As used herein, the term “grasping component” refers to a protuberance,contour, handle, or another part designed to be gripped by a hand to aidin the removal of one component from another.

As used herein, the term “diagnostician” refers to optometrists,ophthalmologists, and other individuals who are trained to analyze andidentify conditions of the eye.

As used herein, the term “ophthalmological image recipient” refers to anindividual who receives an image or video captured using anophthalmological diagnostic system described herein for purposes ofdiagnosing or documenting an ophthalmological condition.Ophthalmological image recipients may include but are not limited tooptometrists, ophthalmologists, physicians, physician assistants,medical personnel, medical and optometry students, technical andnon-technical personnel, administrative personal, and any otherindividuals who may be involved in diagnosing or documenting anophthalmological condition.

As used herein, the term “field of view” refers to the area or solidangle which can be viewed through an optical instrument, such as anophthalmoscope.

As used herein, the term “filter” refers to a colored lens used toenhance a particular characteristic of an eye.

BACKGROUND

Ophthalmoscopes and slit lamps used to view the anterior segments andretina of an eye are known in the art. The WELCH ALLYN PANOPTICophthalmoscope is one example. The WELCH ALLYN PANOPTIC ophthalmoscopeprovides a panoramic view larger than standard ophthalmoscopes allowingthe doctor to observe and identify conditions, such as hypertension,diabetic retinopathy, and papilledema.

When a disease or abnormality is observed, it is desirable to documentthe image that is visible in a photograph and/or video. Suchdocumentation is important for diagnosis, as well as for comparisonpurposes and patient education. Ophthalmoscopes and slit lamps known inthe art do not allow the doctor to capture the image, requiring that asecond piece of equipment be used (e.g., a retinal camera). In an officesetting, there are typically multiple machines that are used forphotographing the eye. For example, there will be one machine designatedfor photographing the front of an eye and a second machine designatedfor photographing the back of an eye. When a patient is being seen in anout-of-office setting, such as a nursing home, it is impractical for thedoctor to transport the bulky and expensive equipment required to bothview and photograph the eye.

Camera equipment known in the art is undesirable for a number ofreasons. The large size and bulkiness of existing optical cameras makethem impractical to transport. In addition, these optical cameras lackthe ability to photograph both the anterior and retina of a patient'seye, have a limited field of view, require a flash or a beam splitter toseparate the optics, are clumsy to use, and/or take photographs of poorquality.

Ophthalmoscopes with digital documenting capabilities are known in theart. One is example is disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0110949 A1(Goldfain et al.). Goldfain et al. teaches an eye viewing device with animaging element that allows a practitioner to view an eye andsequentially image the same region of the eye for recording,documentation, and/or analysis. Another example is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,393,431 (Salvati et al.). Salvati et al. teaches an imaginginstrument with a plurality of interchangeable instrument heads with anoptical system capable of capturing and storing images and videos.

The devices taught by Goldfain et al. and Salvati et al. are notdesirable because they are not capable of securing a digital camera toan existing ophthalmoscope without requiring alteration to theophthalmoscope and allowing the digital camera to be subsequentlyremoved from the ophthalmoscope so that it can be used without thedigital camera. In addition, these devices are very costly.

GlobalMedia Group, LLC is one example of a company that providestelemedicine services and telemedicine hardware and software that allowhealthcare providers to communicate with healthcare providers in otherlocations. One example of telemedicine hardware provided by GlobalMediais the TOTALEXAM examination camera. The TOTALEXAM examination camera isa hand-held camera capable of capturing images in healthcare andnon-healthcare settings. While the devices and services provided byGlobalMedia allow healthcare professionals to communicate with otherhealthcare professionals, the devices and services provided byGlobalMedia are not desirable for vision care.

It is desirable to have an apparatus capable of securely holding adigital camera and an ophthalmoscope in optical communication.

It is desirable to have an apparatus for holding a digital camera inoptical communication with an ophthalmoscope allowing the anteriorsegment and retina of an eye to be photographed.

It is desirable to have an apparatus for holding a digital camera inoptical communication with an ophthalmoscope that can be used with anexisting ophthalmoscope without requiring alteration of theophthalmoscope.

It is desirable to have an apparatus for holding a digital camera inoptical communication with an ophthalmoscope that is compact, and makesefficient use of time and current technology.

It is desirable to have an ophthalmologic diagnostic system that isportable and specifically designed to be used in the field.

It is desirable to have an ophthalmologic diagnostic system thatutilizes digital photography, video, and computer software for patientocular care and quality medical records.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an ophthalmological diagnostic system comprisedof an optical communication housing for holding a digital camera inoptical communication with an ophthalmoscope, a digital camera, anophthalmoscope, and a computer. The optical communication housing housesa digital camera and fits securely over an ophthalmoscope, securelyholding the digital camera in the proper position for digitallycapturing the image visible through the ophthalmoscope.

The ophthalmological diagnostic system allows the user to communicatewith diagnosticians for telemedicine purposes, and is specificallydesigned for use by anyone, including optometrists and ophthalmologists,in non-office settings, remote areas, anywhere traditionalophthalmological cameras are not available, or when communication withspecialists for telemedicine purposes is desirable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention,references are made in the text to exemplary embodiments of anophthalmologic diagnostic system, only some of which are describedherein. It should be understood that no limitations on the scope of theinvention are intended by describing these exemplary embodiments. One ofordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that alternate butfunctionally equivalent components, materials, designs, and equipmentmay be used. The inclusion of additional elements may be deemed readilyapparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. Specificelements disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, butrather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis forteaching one of ordinary skill in the art to employ the presentinvention.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale;instead, emphasis has been placed upon illustrating the principles ofthe invention. In addition, in the embodiments depicted herein, likereference numerals in the various drawings refer to identical or nearidentical structural elements.

Moreover, the terms “substantially” or “approximately” as used hereinmay be applied to modify any quantitative representation that couldpermissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function towhich it is related.

FIG. 1 a illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofophthalmological diagnostic system 100 comprised of opticalcommunication housing 10, digital camera 30, and ophthalmoscope 20.Optical communication housing 10 houses digital camera 30 and iscontoured to fit securely around ophthalmoscope 20.

Optical communication housing 10 is secured to ophthalmoscope 20 bysliding optical communication housing 10 over ophthalmoscope 20 andsnapping it down. When optical communication housing 10 is secured toophthalmoscope 20, digital camera 30 is positioned and held at theprecise angle that places digital camera 30 in optical communicationwith ophthalmoscope 20, providing an uninterrupted line of vision fromdigital camera 30 to the patient's eye. Visible in FIG. 1 a is interface25, the interface between ophthalmoscope 20 and digital camera 30.

In the embodiment shown, ophthalmoscope 20 is a direct ophthalmoscopewith a field of view of 25 degrees; however, in various otherembodiments, ophthalmoscope 20 may be a direct or indirectophthalmoscope, a scanning laser ophthalmoscope, or any other type ofophthalmoscope known in the art and may have a field of view rangingfrom 6.5 to 60 degrees. In various other embodiments, ophthalmoscopediagnostic system 100 may incorporate other technologies, such asoptical coherence tomography (OCT), GDX nerve fiber analyzer (LaserDiagnostic Technologies, San Diego, Calif.), or any other technologyknown in the art for examining the eye.

In various embodiments, ophthalmoscope 20 may further include one ormore filters or additional lens for enhancing or magnifying the imageviewed by ophthalmoscope 20. For example, ophthalmoscope 20 may includea red-free filter, a cobalt blue filter, a yellow filter, a slitaperture, a half-moon aperture, varying aperture sizes, a cornealviewing lens, and/or any other filter, lens, or component known in theart. In still other embodiments, the software may further includefilters or other enhancement features, including but not limited tored-free filters, staining, overlays, magnification, pixel sampling, andmeasuring. In various embodiments, ophthalmological diagnostic system100 may utilize software having analysis, enhancement, and/or imagemanagement capabilities known in the art, such as CAPSURE (GlobalMediaGroup, LLC).

In the embodiment shown, optical communication housing 10 furtherincludes snapshot button 15 for taking photographs or video depending onthe setting selected. In the embodiment shown, snapshot button 15 iscomprised of flexible pieces of optical communication housing 10 thatare squeezed to take a photograph or video. In other embodiments,snapshot button 15 may protrude from optical communication housing 10,be positioned outside of optical communication housing 10, or be anyother selection means that allows the user to take photographs or video.

In various other embodiments, digital camera 30 is not activated bypressing snapshot button 15, but rather may be voice-activated oractivated using a foot pedal, key stroke, mouse click, touch screen(e.g., if a viewing screen is used), or by any other means known in theart.

In the embodiment shown, optical communication housing 10 is angled tofit snugly around ophthalmoscope 20 and includes side plates 18, whichhelp to securely hold optical communication housing 10 on ophthalmoscope20. In the embodiment shown, side plates 18 are rounded; however, inother embodiments, side plates 18 may be square, rectangular, angled, orany other shape that helps hold optical communication housing 10 inplace.

Optical communication housing 10 further includes grasping component 40which aids in the removal of optical communication housing 10 fromophthalmoscope. In the embodiment shown, grasping component 40 isfin-shaped, protrudes from the top of optical communication housing 10,and has a plurality of ridges that make grasping component 40 easier tograsp.

Also visible is USB cable 55, which connects digital camera 30 tocomputer 50 (not shown).

In an exemplary embodiment, optical communication housing 10 iscomprised of a weather and impact resistant vacuum forming ABS plastic,and is molded as two halves and integrated together. The lack ofremovable or interchangeable parts results in a device that is extremelydurable. In other embodiments, optical communication housing 10 may becomprised of another type of plastic or other material, such as resin,aluminum or any other material capable of holding digital camera 30 inoptical communication with ophthalmoscope 20, and may be manufactured asa single piece or using another method known in the art, such asinjection molding.

FIG. 1 b illustrates a perspective view of a second exemplary embodimentof ophthalmological diagnostic system 100. In the embodiment shown,optical communication housing 10 includes viewing screen 85, whichallows the user to view the same image as digital camera 30 andophthalmoscope 20, and memory card 95, for storing acquired photographsand video.

In the embodiment shown, viewing screen 85 is secured to the edge ofhousing a hinge, allowing it to fold inward when not in use, whilememory card 95 is inserted into a slot in the top of opticalcommunication housing 10. In other embodiments, viewing screen 85 andmemory card 95 may be positioned elsewhere on optical communicationhousing 10. For example, viewing screen 85 may protrude from the top ofoptical communication housing 10 or be located on the back of opticalcommunication housing 10, and memory card 95 may be inserted into a slotin the side of optical communication housing 10.

In the embodiment shown, ophthalmological diagnostic system 100 does notrequire USB cable 55 for connecting digital camera 30 to computer 50(not shown) as viewing screen 85 and memory card 95 may be used to viewand store any acquired images and/or video.

FIG. 1 c illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment ofophthalmological diagnostic system 100. In the embodiment shown, digitalcamera 30 is connected to computer 50 via USB cable 55. The image viewedby ophthalmoscope 20 is captured by digital camera 30 in the form of aphotograph or video and displayed on the screen of computer 50. Tocapture the image as a photograph or as a video, snapshot button 15 onoptical communication housing 10 is pressed or digital camera 30 isactivated by another means, such as by voice, foot pedal, key stroke,mouse click, or touch screen.

Ophthalmological diagnostic system 100 allows the image viewed throughophthalmoscope 20 to be captured. The images and/or video may be savedin the patient's file so that changes may be monitored over time,forwarded to a diagnostician for a consult, shown to a minor patient'sparents, or used for patient education or another purpose. In variousembodiments, ophthalmological diagnostic system 100 is ADA complaint.For example, ophthalmological diagnostic system 100 allows theophthalmologist, optometrist, or other user to communicate with a deafindividual using the images/video captured using ophthalmologicaldiagnostic system 100.

In the embodiment shown, an ophthalmologist is using ophthalmologicaldiagnostic system 100; however, the ability to capture images and/orvideo and forward them to an ophthalmologist for diagnosis makesophthalmological diagnostic system 100 ideal for use bynon-ophthalmologists and non-optometrists (e.g., emergency room doctors,military doctors). In addition, the portability of ophthalmologicaldiagnostic system 100 makes it ideal for out-of-office visits and othersettings where traditional ophthalmological camera equipment is notreadily available, such as third-world countries, remote areas, combatzones, at sea, and in space.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of ophthalmologicaldiagnostic systems 100 a, 100 b, 100 c wirelessly connected to imagedatabase 90. In the embodiment shown, ophthalmological diagnosticsystems 100 a, 100 b, 100 c are wirelessly connected to image database90, which stores images and videos acquired by the user ofophthalmological diagnostic systems 100 a, 100 b, 100 c. The images andvideos may be wirelessly transmitted from image database 90 to computer50 d where they can be viewed and analyzed by a diagnostician, allowinga single diagnostician to be able to remotely view and analyze imagesand/or videos from multiple locations and users.

In an exemplary embodiment, images and videos are labeled and stored inimage database 90 in a HIPAA compliant manner. For example, imagedatabase 90 will allow only authorized individuals to view the imagesand videos and will prevent the images and videos from being altered andresaved. In various embodiments, image database 90 may further compilestatistical information for educational purposes.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of ophthalmologicaldiagnostic system 100 connected to computer 50 a via USB cable 55 andcomputer 50 a is wirelessly connected to computers 50 b, 50 c, 50 d, 50e. In the embodiment shown, the user of ophthalmological diagnosticsystem 100 is a non-diagnostician. The images and/or video captured bythe user are wirelessly transmitted to computers 50 b, 50 c, 50 d, 50 ewhere the images and/or video can be viewed and analyzed by adiagnostician and the condition diagnosed, facilitating collaborationamong the user and one or more ophthalmologists. In an exemplaryembodiment, one or more ophthalmologists can wirelessly transmitinformation back to computer 50 a where it can be viewed by the user.

In other embodiments, the user of ophthalmological diagnostic system 100may be an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or another individual trained toanalyze and identify conditions of the eye.

In the embodiment shown, computer 50 a is wirelessly connected to fourcomputers and four diagnosticians; however, in other embodiments,computer 50 a may be wirelessly connected to any number of computersand/or images/video may be received by any number of individuals.

In various embodiments, one or more of the diagnosticians viewing theimages and/or video from a remote location may be able to control thesoftware on computer 50 a and/or ophthalmoscope 20 in order to obtainthe views necessary for analysis and diagnosis.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of ophthalmologicaldiagnostic system 100 wirelessly connected to computers 50 a, 50 b, 50c, 50 d, 50 e. In various embodiments, ophthalmological diagnosticsystem 100 includes a wireless card, allowing information to bewirelessly transmitted to one or more devices.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of computer interface 70 forophthalmological diagnostic system 100. In the embodiment shown,interface 70 includes an image field, a plurality of text fields, and adrop down menu for selecting one or more symptoms. The text fields(e.g., anterior chamber angle, cornea diameter, lens length, cup-to-discration) allow the diagnostician to input one or more dimensions, whichmay be relevant to diagnosis. For example, cup-to-disc ratio comparesthe diameter of the cup portion of the optic disc with the totaldiameter of the optic disc, and is an important measurement forassessing the progression of glaucoma.

In an exemplary embodiment, computer interface 70 allows a user to view,save, and label images and videos, capture a still image from a video,as well as input diagnostic information and patient communication. Invarious embodiments, computer interface 70 may include a series ofquestions and/or user and may have additional functions, such astracking individuals who have viewed the information, listing ofpotential treatment options, and/or providing a searchable imagedatabase for comparing the obtained images and/or videos with otherimages.

In another exemplary embodiment, computer interface 70 may have fieldsor be configured to allow a user to track, enter, or select signs andsystems. The signs and symptoms may be correlated with a database whichassists in diagnostics. For example, a corneal staining could be due ascratch or injury. But if other signs and symptoms (e.g., a rash on thenose, watering, burning, or tingling) are present, they could indicatethat the appropriate diagnosis is not a scratch but rather a herpeticinfection. Treating a patient for a scratch with steroids, rather thanidentifying herpes, causes hundreds of cases of blindness each year. (Anestimated 400,000 individuals in the United States have had some form ofocular herpes. Each year, nearly 50,000 new and recurring cases arediagnosed in the United States.) Herpes simplex is the most commoninfectious cause of corneal blindness in the United States.

In another embodiment, software may be used to grade diabeticretinopathy.

In various embodiments, ophthalmological diagnostic system 100 utilizesadvanced image analysis software with advanced graphical capabilitiesthat allows the diagnostician to sample and test pixels to search forvariants in the eye when a higher resolution image is not availableand/or when visual inspection is not sufficient.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of method 200 for using anophthalmologic diagnostic system. In step 1, the user turns onophthalmoscope 20 and in step 2, the user adjusts the variable focustumbler on ophthalmoscope 20 to focus on the desired portion of the eye.For example, to look at the back of the eye, the user will leave thetumbler at zero or move the tumbler downward; to focus on the front ofthe eye, the user will move the tumbler upward.

In step 3, the user locks on a desired portion of the eye. The imageviewed by ophthalmoscope 20 and digital camera 30 is displayed oncomputer 50. In step 4, the user presses snapshot button 15 on opticalcommunication housing 10 to acquire the image or video, which mayselected on computer interface 70.

In step 5, the user may sample the captured images/videos to calculatevariances, the presence or absence of a condition, or any othermeasurement or observation desired. In steps 6 and 7, the images/videosare authenticated and the user determines if the desired images/videoshave been acquired. If not, additional images/videos are acquired.

In step 8, if visual inspection is not sufficient, the diagnosticianutilizes image analysis software to sample and test pixels or to enhancethe image to search for variants, which may identify one or moreconditions. In steps 9 and 10, the patient's information is entered, andthe images/videos labeled.

In other embodiments, the steps of method 200 vary and are dependent onthe particular circumstances (e.g., the location, the patient'scondition) as well as the training and education level of the user anddiagnostician.

The images and videos captured using ophthalmological diagnostic system100 provide the user or a remote diagnostician with a comprehensivevisual image of the eye. The ability to capture a video, in addition toa still image, provides binocularity and motion parallax, allowing thediagnostician to determine the depth and elevation of various portionsof the eye. In various embodiments, a plurality of still images may becombined to create a stereoscopic or three-dimensional image of the eye.

A comprehensive visual image of the eye can reveal innumerable ocularand systematic traumas and conditions of the eye lid (e.g., blepharitis,herpes zoster, herpes simplex, madarosis, poliosis, pediculosis,chalazions, hordeolums, contact dermatitis, ptosis, dermatochalasis,ectropion, entropion, trichiasis, bell's palsy, floppy eyelid syndrome,tumors, nevi, papillomas, cysts, hemangiomas, malignancies,neurofibromatosis, dacryocyctitis, and dacryostenosis); conjunctiva(e.g., foreign bodies, subconjunctival hemes, dry eye, chemosis,follicles, papilla, hyperemia/injection, phlyctenule, lymphatic cysts,conjunctivitis—viral, bacterial, or allergic (ocular like GPC orsystemic like Chlamydia), episcleritis, scleritis (autoimmune issues,HLA-B27), and malignancies); cornea (e.g., abrasions, foreign bodies,ulcers, recurrent erosions, thermal burns, chemical burns,infections/keratitis (bacterial, fungal, parasitic, viral), dellen, SPK,edema, pannus, arcus senilis, keratopathy, degenerations, keratoconnus,Fuch's dystrophy, Wilson's Disease, and corneal neo); anterior chamberand iris (e.g., angle estimates, hyphema, cells/flare (anterior chamberreaction), KP's uveitis/iritis, cyclodialysis, colobomas, rubeosis (DM),anisocoria, Adies tonic pupil, Argyll Robertson pupil, Horner'ssyndrome, and iris nodules (NF); lens (e.g., cataracts, exfoliation, andlens dislocation); vitreous (e.g., floaters, posterior vitrealdetachments, hemorrhages, asteroid hyalosis); macula and retina (e.g.,hemorrhages, artery occlusions, vein occlusions, diabetic retinopathy,hypertensive retinopathy, macular degeneration (ARMD), vitrealmaculopathies, central serous, macular edema, epiretinal membranes,myelination, drug maculopathies, retinal detachments, posterior uveitis,nevi, malignancies, CHRPEs peripheral degenerations, retinitispigmentosa, albinism, benign retinal tumors, and congentialmalformations/colobomas); and optic nerve (e.g., optic neuritis (MS),glaucoma, and optic neuropathies).

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of ophthalmologicaldiagnostic system kit 300. In the embodiment shown, ophthalmologicaldiagnostic system kit 300 is comprised of case 310 and padding 320 a,320 b, 320 c, 320 d. To assemble kit 300, padding 320 a is placed insidecase 310. In the embodiment shown, padding 320 a contains cavities foroptical communication housing 10 secured to ophthalmoscope 20,ophthalmoscope power supply 22, USB cable 55, and power cord 52 forcomputer 50. When the components are positioned in the designatedcavities, padding 320 b is placed on top of the components. Padding 320c is then placed on top of padding 320 b and computer 50 is placedinside the cavity in padding 320 c. Padding 320 d is positioned on top.

In various other embodiments, diagnostic system kit 300 may contain anynumber of layers of padding and or be designed to fit in a larger,smaller, or differently sized case.

1. A ophthalmological diagnostic system comprised of: an opticalcommunication housing for securing a digital camera in opticalcommunication with an ophthalmoscope; a digital camera; anophthalmoscope; an image viewing means for viewing an image seen by saidophthalmoscope and said digital camera; a camera activating means; and astorage component for storing said captured image.
 2. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said digital camera is secured inside said opticalcommunication housing.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein said opticalcommunication housing is contoured to fit securely around saidophthalmoscope.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein said opticalcommunication housing is comprised of two reciprocal housing membershaving contours which conform to the dimensions of said ophthalmoscopeand further includes engagement components to join said housing members.5. The system of claim 1 wherein said optical communication housingfurther includes an upright grasping component for removing said opticalcommunication housing from said ophthalmoscope.
 6. The system of claim 1wherein said camera activating means is a button.
 7. The system of claim1 wherein said captured image is selected from a group consisting of aphotograph and a video.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein said imageviewing means is selected from a group consisting of a computer screen,laptop screen, tablet computer screen, viewing screen, touch screen,projection screen, television screen, and a mobile phone screen.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8 wherein said image viewing means is connected to saiddigital camera using a USB cable.
 10. The system of claim 8 wherein saidimage viewing means is wirelessly connected to said digital camera. 11.The system of claim 1 wherein said storage component is selected from agroup consisting of a computer hard drive, database, memory card, flashdrive, and an external hard drive.
 12. The system of claim 1 whichfurther includes a user interface.
 13. The system of claim 1 whichfurther includes a software component having a user interface withdiagnostician prompts.
 14. The system of claim 1 which further includesa software component with image sampling capabilities.
 15. The system ofclaim 1 which further includes a software component with filters. 16.The system of claim 1 which further includes a software componentcapable of associating image data with known medical conditions.
 17. Thesystem of claim 1 which further includes a software component capable ofadjusting image data for enhanced viewing.
 18. The system of claim 1which further includes a software component capable of enhancing theresolution of an image.
 19. The system of claim 1 which further includesthe capability for a user to be in communication with a diagnostician inreal time.
 20. The system of claim 1 which further includes a softwarecomponent and user interface for correlating signs and symptoms enteredinto said user interface with a database of known conditions associatedwith said signs and symptoms.
 21. The system of claim 20 wherein saidknown conditions are selected from a group consisting of measurablevariations in the physiology of the eye.